Judges orders mental health review for Santa Rosa man accused of killing his dad

A mental health evaluation was ordered Wednesday for a Santa Rosa man accused of killing his father with a sledgehammer.

Criminal proceedings were suspended against Angelo Michael Lancaster, 33, while a psychiatrist determines whether he is competent to stand trial.

He is charged with murder in the Oct. 20 slaying of his father, Simran Khalsa, 64, in his Wright Street home.

Police said Lancaster broke down the front door, ran upstairs to his father and strangled him before bashing his head with a sledgehammer.

Lancaster, also known by his Sikh name of Kartar Khalsa, was arrested at the scene.

The man appeared in court in a jail uniform, shackled to a wheelchair, presumably as a security precaution.

He spoke to Judge Dana Simonds about his father’s will and seemed confused about the day of the week. He tried to interrupt the judge and was ordered by a bailiff to stop talking.

His lawyer, Daniel Clymo, said Lancaster has a history of mental illness. A woman who identified herself as his mother declined to comment.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.